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Can I prevent infection with hepatitis B?

A vaccine for hepatitis B is available. You can also reduce your chance of infection by avoiding contact with other people's blood and by avoiding unprotected sexual contact with carriers.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus.

How common is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B affects over two billion people worldwide and is responsible for more than a million deaths every year.

What are the signs of hepatitis B?

A hepatitis B infection can often pass undetected for many years, since many people who contract the virus show no signs and symptoms. Signs of hepatitis B include fatigue, weariness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, dark urine, muscle and joint …

How is hepatitis B transmitted?

The hepatitis B virus can spread in several ways, including sexual contact, blood-to-blood contact and from mother to child at birth.

Who gets hepatitis B?

Groups at particular risk of hepatitis B include babies born to infected mothers; intravenous drug users; healthcare workers exposed to blood; people receiving blood transfusions; people who come into contact with used, unsterilized medical equipment; sexual partners …

How is hepatitis B diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose hepatitis B by performing blood tests specific to the virus.

How is hepatitis B treated?

Hepatitis B is treated by antiviral drugs.

What are the common complications of hepatitis B?

Complications of hepatitis B include liver damage (cirrhosis), liver failure and liver cancer. These complications can cause serious harm and death.

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 21 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1315 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Hepatitis A

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